Oxford Study Skills: How to Take Notes, by Jesus College Oxford on YouTube. 7 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start with your purpose. Before reading, write the essay question or topic at the top of the page so every note connects to a clear goal.
Skim the text first. Read headings, the introduction and conclusion to get the argument before you take detailed notes.
Note the full reference at the top: author, title, year and page numbers. You will need this for citations later.
Write notes in your own words. Summarise each key point in one or two sentences rather than copying long passages.
Separate the author's ideas from your own. Mark your reactions, questions and links to other reading with a symbol or a second column.
Record page numbers next to each point so you can find the exact quote or passage again.
Review your notes after reading. Cut anything irrelevant and group related points under headings that match your essay structure.
Turn the notes into an outline. List the main claims and the evidence for each one before you start drafting.
Tips and common mistakes
Copying sentences word for word makes it easy to plagiarise later, so paraphrase as you go.
Keep one notes system for all modules so you can search and compare sources quickly.
Add a short summary at the end of each reading session to test whether you understood the argument.
Questions
Should I take notes by hand or on a laptop?
Either works. Handwriting can help you summarise rather than transcribe, while typing is faster to search later. Pick one and stay consistent.
How long should notes for one reading be?
Aim for a page or less per article or chapter. If your notes are longer than the reading's main argument, you are probably copying too much.
What if I do not understand the text?
Write down your questions and the confusing passages, then check a summary or ask your tutor. Do not let unclear sections stall your note taking.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
